Northern Mountains Conservation Project (NMCP)

The Northern Mountains Conservation Project (NMCP) is a joint initiative of WWF Nepal and DNPWC in Shey Phoksundo National Park (SPNP) and its buffer zone areas in Dolpa and Mugu districts. The objective of this integrated conservation and development project is to facilitate local management of natural resources and improve living conditions while safeguarding this region's unique natural heritage.

Spread over 3,555 sq km, SPNP is the largest national park in the country and is spread over Dolpa and Mugu, two of the remotest districts in Nepal. Agriculture, animal husbandry and trade with Tibet are the major livelihood activities of the local people.

NMCP has two components: People and Plant Initiative (PPI) and SAGUN. PPI was launched in 1997 whereas SAGUN in 2002. While the main objective of PPI is to address the issues of conservation and sustainable use of valuable plant resources, SAGUN is focused on strengthening the capacity of local communities for governance in sustainable utilization of natural resources.

With the project like NMCP, CFUGs and BZUGs in technical and organizational capacities of to ensure biological diversity, resource utilization and equitable benefit sharing. There is also an increased active participation of women and dalits.